So He Called For A Gold Cupful Of
Mingled Wine, Half Of The Grape And Half Artificial, Which He Sent
Me by
one of his nobles, with this message, that I should drink it off twice,
thrice, four times, or
Five times, for his sake, and accept the cup and
appurtenances as a present. On drinking a portion of it, I found it
stronger than any I had ever tasted, insomuch that it made me sneeze, at
which he laughed, and called for raisins, almonds, and sliced lemons,
which he sent me on a gold plate, and desired me to eat and drink what I
liked, and no more. I then made a reverence for my present, after my own
manner, though Asaph Khan wanted me to kneel and knock my head upon the
ground, but the king accepted it in my own way. The cup was of gold, set
all over with small rubies and turquoises; the cover being likewise
gold, and set with great rubies, emeralds, and turquoises; and there was
likewise a suitable dish or salver on which to set the cup. I know not
the value, because many of the stones are small, and the greater, which
also are numerous, are not all clean; but there are above two thousand
stones in all, and the gold weighs about twenty ounces. On giving me
this splendid present, he sent me word that he esteemed me more than
ever he had done a Frank, and asked if I were merry in eating the wild
boar he had sent me, how I had it dressed, what I drank with it, and
many such compliments; which public shew of his grace and favour did me
much service in the eyes of all his nobles, who strove to shew me
respect.
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